Gulfport defeats Picayune 35-0 to kick off 2026 season

The Gulfport Admirals opened the season with a statement, shutting out the Picayune Maroon Tide 35-0 in a highly anticipated Week One matchup in Pearl River County.

The game was selected by viewers as the WXXV Game Ball of the Week matchup, presented by Ball Heating and Air, bringing together two of the Coast’s top programs to kick off the season.

Defense dominated the first half, with both teams trading big plays and struggling to find the end zone.

Picayune’s Kendall Jett nearly broke free on the opening kickoff, racing down the field before Gulfport senior Jaylen Johnson made a touchdown-saving tackle. The Maroon Tide’s defense responded soon after, with Colby Pollard making a key open-field tackle to force a turnover on downs.

Gulfport’s defense continued to make plays, as Cotrell Crandle forced a fumble and Jaden Jones recovered it.

The Admirals finally broke through late in the first half. Sophomore quarterback Jackson Wolverton connected with Javious Hales and Camden Morgan on back-to-back completions before finding Joseph Thomas, who broke several tackles to reach the red zone.

Wolverton finished the drive himself, rushing for the game’s first touchdown and giving Gulfport a 7-0 lead heading into halftime.

The Admirals pulled away in the second half, with running back Amaji Frederick scoring multiple rushing touchdowns as Gulfport cruised to the 35-0 victory.

Gulfport now heads into a bye week, while Picayune will look to bounce back against Jackson Academy in Week Two.